Abdominal Hernia Repair Surgery: What to Expect

Medically Reviewed By Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP

An abdominal hernia repair is the surgical correction of an abdominal hernia. A hernia is a condition in which an organ or another structure protrudes through a weak part of tissue or muscle. In some cases, a hernia can create a visible lump or bulge in the skin. An abdominal hernia repair returns the organ or structure to its proper place and fixes the weakened area of muscle or tissue.

What is a hernia repair?

man lying on his back
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According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, hernia repair is a common but major surgery. In fact, over 1 million hernia repairs take place each year.

The types of hernia repair procedures include Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source :

  • Mesh repairs: This type of surgery uses a mesh plug to cover and strengthen the weakened area of muscle or tissue.
  • Suture repairs: This type of surgery uses stitches to strengthen the tissues around the weakened area.

Why is a hernia repair performed?

Your doctor may recommend a hernia repair to treat hernias that are causing pain or other symptoms.

Hernias can occur in any area of your abdominal wall. However, the most common sites are in the groin (an inguinal hernia), at the naval (an umbilical hernia), or at a previous surgical incision site.

Nonsurgical treatment, or watchful waiting, may be an option for adults with hernias that are not causing symptoms. Without surgery, however, the hernia will grow larger over time.

Sometimes, it can become trapped outside your abdominal wall. This is known as an incarcerated hernia. This can cut off the blood supply to the hernia, resulting in a strangulated hernia. This requires urgent surgical repair.

Symptoms of an incarcerated hernia include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • pain
  • color changes to the area

Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. Your doctor may consider a hernia repair if watchful waiting is not an option for you. Ask your doctor about all of your treatment options and consider getting a second opinion before deciding on hernia surgery.

Your doctor may recommend surgical repair of the following hernias:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: This is a congenital anomaly in which the abdominal organs protrude up into the chest cavity.
  • Femoral hernia: This is the protrusion of abdominal fat or part of the intestines through the abdominal muscles into the upper thigh area.
  • Hiatal hernia: This is the protrusion of a portion of the stomach through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. A hiatal hernia is also called a hiatus hernia.
  • Incisional hernia: This is a hernia that develops through a previous surgical incision. This can occur anywhere on the abdomen or back.
  • Inguinal hernia: This is the protrusion of abdominal fat or part of the intestines through the abdominal muscles into the groin area, also called an inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are the most common types of hernia.
  • Umbilical hernia: This is the protrusion of part of the intestines or abdominal lining through the abdominal wall around the belly button. It most often occurs in infants ages 6 months and younger.

Read more about types of hernias here.

How is a hernia repair performed?

Your surgeon will make an incision and put the displaced tissue or organs back into the proper place. They will use stitches to strengthen the tissues around the weakened area.

Another technique involves inserting a mesh patch to cover and strengthen the weakened area of muscle or tissue.

There are different approaches to hernia surgery, including laparoscopy surgery, open surgery, and robotic surgery.

Laparoscopy surgery

A surgeon may perform a minimally invasive surgery known as laparoscopic repair Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source by inserting special instruments and a laparoscope through small incisions in your abdomen.

A laparoscope is a thin, lighted instrument with a small camera. The camera transmits pictures of the inside of your body to a video screen viewed by your surgeon as they perform the surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery generally involves a faster recovery and less pain than open surgery. This is because it causes less damage to tissues and organs. Your surgeon will make small incisions instead of the larger ones used in open surgery. They will thread surgical tools around structures and organs instead of cutting through or displacing them as in open surgery.

Read more about laparoscopy here.

Open surgery

Open surgery uses a large incision in your abdomen. The length of the incision will depend on the size of the hernia. An open surgery incision allows your surgeon to view and access the surgical area directly. They may use local or regional anesthetics with open surgery.

Open surgery generally involves a longer recovery and more pain than minimally invasive surgery because it causes more trauma to tissues. Open surgery requires a larger incision and involves more cutting and displacement of muscle and other tissues.

Despite the potential for damage, open surgery may be a safer or more effective method for certain people.

Robotic surgery

Robotic surgery is a new type of surgery. It follows the same procedure as laparoscopy surgery but is performed using robotic arms controlled by a human surgeon to accomplish the repair.

It is minimally invasive and uses the same techniques, such as small incisions. Robots, however, are quite expensive, so many hospitals may not offer this kind of surgery.

What procedure is best for me?

Your doctor will determine which type of surgery is best for you and how long you need to stay in the hospital or surgical center based on your diagnosis, age, medical history, general health, and possibly your personal preference.

What can I expect on the day of my hernia repair?

On the day of your surgery, you can generally expect to:

  1. Talk with a preoperative nurse. The nurse will perform an exam and ensure that all needed tests are in order. The nurse can also answer your questions, and they will make sure that you understand and sign the surgical consent.
  2. Remove all clothing and jewelry and dress in a hospital gown. It is a good idea to leave all jewelry and valuables at home or with a family member if possible.
  3. Talk with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist about your medical history and the type of anesthetic you will receive.
  4. A surgical team member will start an IV.
  5. The anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will start your anesthetics.
  6. A surgical team member will place a tube in your windpipe to protect and control your breathing during general anesthesia.
  7. A team member may also insert a tube through your nose to keep your stomach empty and a catheter into your bladder to collect urine and monitor kidney function. You will not feel or remember this or the surgical procedure. These steps will be done after the anesthetic has kicked in, so you will likely be asleep.
  8. The surgical team will monitor your vital signs and other critical body functions. This occurs throughout the procedure and during your recovery until you are alert, you are breathing effectively, and your vital signs are stable.

What are the risks and potential complications of a hernia repair?

As with all surgeries, hernia repair involves risks and potential complications. Complications may become serious and life threatening in some cases. Complications can develop during the procedure or recovery.

General risks of surgery

The general risks of surgical procedures include:

Potential complications of a hernia repair

Complications of a hernia repair can be serious and include:

  • nerve damage
  • organ, blood vessel, or bowel damage
  • pain lasting longer than 3 months
  • recurrence of the hernia
  • testicular pain or swelling
  • urinary retention, or an inability to urinate

Reducing your risk of complications

You can reduce your risk of certain complications by following your treatment plan, which may include:

  • following activity, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations before surgery and during recovery
  • notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, an increase in pain, wound discoloration, swelling, or drainage
  • taking your medications exactly as directed
  • telling all members of your care team if you have any medication allergies

How do I prepare for my hernia repair?

You can prepare for a hernia repair by:

  • answering all questions about your medical history and the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments, and vitamins
  • getting preoperative testing as directed, including an ultrasound scan of the hernia, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram, or blood tests
  • if needed, losing weight before the surgery by following a healthy diet and exercise plan
  • not eating or drinking just before surgery, as directed
  • stopping smoking as soon as possible
  • taking or stopping medications exactly as directed

Questions to ask your doctor

It is a good idea to bring a list of questions to your preoperative appointments. Questions can include:

  • What kind of hernia do I have?
  • Why do I need a hernia repair? Are there any other options for treating my condition?
  • Which type of hernia repair procedure will I need?
  • How long will the surgery take? When will I go home?
  • What kind of restrictions will I have after the surgery? When can I return to work and other activities?
  • What kind of assistance will I need at home?
  • What medications will I need before and after the surgery?
  • How will you manage my pain?
  • When should I follow up with you?
  • How should I contact you?
    • Ask for numbers to call during and after regular hours.

What can I expect after my hernia repair?

Knowing what to expect can help make your road to recovery after a hernia repair as smooth as possible.

How long will it take to recover?

You will stay in the recovery room after surgery until your vital signs are stable. A tube in your windpipe during surgery may cause a sore throat after. This is usually temporary, but tell your care team if you are uncomfortable.

You may be able to go home on the same day if you are recovering well. You may need to stay in the hospital for longer if you cannot urinate on your own or you are experiencing nausea and vomiting. Infants may require a hospital stay of 1 day.

Recovery after surgery is a gradual process. Recovery times vary depending on the specific procedure, the type of anesthetic, your general health, your age, and other factors. Full recovery times range from 2 to 6 weeks.

Will I feel pain?

Pain control is important for healing and a smooth recovery. There may be discomfort after your surgery.

Your doctor and care team will manage your pain so that you are comfortable and can get the rest you need. Contact your doctor if your pain gets worse or changes in any way because it may indicate a complication.

How might a hernia repair affect my everyday life?

A hernia repair may cure your condition or significantly reduce your symptoms so that you can lead a regular life.

For example, a hernia repair may help you resume your daily activities without pain. However, it will not prevent hernias from coming back. You can make changes to your everyday life that may help prevent or delay the recurrence of hernias, such as:

  • avoiding constipation and chronic straining
  • avoiding sudden strains, pulls, or twists of your abdomen
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • eating a high fiber diet
  • getting regular exercise
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • practicing abdominal exercises only as directed by your doctor
  • avoiding smoking

When should I contact my doctor?

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments after a hernia repair. Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns between appointments.

Seek immediate medical care if you have any symptoms after your surgery, including:

  • bleeding
  • bloating, swelling, or pain in your abdomen
  • breathing problems
  • changes in alertness, such as passing out, dizziness, unresponsiveness, or confusion
  • fever
  • an inability to urinate or pass gas
  • no bowel movements for 3 days after surgery
  • pain not relieved by pain medications
  • unexpected drainage, pus, discoloration, or swelling of your incision
  • tingling or numbness in the groin
  • vomiting
  • worsening pain
  • the swelling of a testicle

Summary

An abdominal hernia develops when an organ or another structure protrudes through a weak part of your muscle or tissue in your abdomen. You can undergo surgery to correct the issue. This pushes the organ back into place.

There are two types of surgery for abdominal hernias, and your doctor will determine which type of procedure is best for you.

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Medical Reviewer: Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Last Review Date: 2022 May 31
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